United’s O’Brien
resumes training

LEEDS United defender Andy O’Brien (pictured) is to resume training after receiving treatment for depression.

O’Brien has not played since helping Leeds win 1-0 at Leicester on 6 November.

The club brought disciplinary action against the 32-year-old former Bolton and Newcastle player after he refused to play in the 2-1 win at Burnley 13 days later.

O’Brien was disciplined at the time, but Leeds have since discovered that he was suffering from depression.

“He is now ready to recommence training and we will do everything we can to assist him,” a Leeds statement read.

“The club brought disciplinary action against the player following his refusal to play against Burnley on November 19, 2011,” the statement added.

“It was announced at that time that the player’s future would be determined after a full investigation.

“The investigation has led to a fuller understanding of the issues that the player has faced since the start of the season, which has seen him seek specialist medical treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic for depression.

“He is now ready to recommence training and the club will facilitate any further treatment that is required.

“We were exceptionally disappointed when Andy refused to play before the Burnley game and felt let down.

“It is now apparent that there were a number of issues that he was dealing with at that time which affected him in a way we could not imagine and he was not in a right state of mind to make such decisions.

“On this basis we believe he deserves a second chance and we will do everything we can to assist him.

“The club would appeal to its fans to support the player on his road back to first-team action.”